What Does True Community Take?

Loneliness is a huge crisis in the world today. According to a recent Gallop survey, approximately one in four people worldwide have reported feeling very lonely. This translates to well over a billion people globally! And I don’t think our immediate suburbs of Kommetjie, Ocean View, Imhoff, and others are any different from the loneliness norm.

Loneliness is something that Jesus encountered time and time again. From ministering to outcasts battling with sickness, to even feeling rejected himself on the cross. Yet, I believe that loneliness is something that the church is beautifully designed to remedy. I strongly maintain that an authentic faith community is one of the most beautiful expressions of God’s heart. From enjoying meals together, to engaging in friendship, to worshipping together, to allowing for vulnerable moments in focused small groups. When it comes to sermons, or times of worship, there is a lot you can find online. However, one thing that the church offers that can’t be replicated in isolation is community. I think there are a few takeaways here for us.

True Community Takes Effort

True community doesn’t just happen, it takes intentionality. Church websites and social media platforms can often paint the picture of a church that’s a breeze to walk into, and a place where you’ll meet and connect with people seamlessly. This is often not reality.

The idea of walking into a church and meeting a group of friends who we instantly resonate with seems a little far-fetched. Let’s face it, visiting a new church can be daunting! Walking into a room of strangers and a foreign environment isn’t something that we’re all putting our hand up for. If you’ve been brave enough to do it, you’ve won a huge victory already. Anything of value and beauty in life requires time and effort, and engaging in true community is no different.

True Community Is About Vulnerability

A key ingredient in the recipe of authentic community is meaningful conversations. The only way we truly get to know someone is by talking with them. As a faith community, if we’re ever going to get to the point of offering spiritual encouragement to each other, we also need to know and love one another deeply. I think of all the people who Jesus loved, many who were sick and desperate for a touch from him. They were open to receiving anything from Jesus. Vulnerability requires trust, which takes time. I would ask you, how real and open do you allow yourself to get in the conversations you have with others? Are you guarded? Have you become good at deflecting personal questions away instead of opening and sharing a part of your heart with others? It’s these moments of vulnerability that really open meaning times of conversations and even moments to minister to each other.

True Community Reveals The Face Of Christ

Acts 2:42-37 paints us a beautiful picture of authentic community. From meeting together daily, breaking bread together, to having everything in common, and meeting each other’s needs as they arose. This type of community comes with a level of sacrifice. Not only did it take time, but it cost financially too. The thing that often astounds me is that this sacrificial way of doing life was a joy for those who did it. They were walking in the way of God’s Kingdom and relishing in it!  

If we are to truly understand Jesus’ heart in living generously, then it’s going to infringe if our personal levels of comfort and how far we’re willing to go for those around us. Whether it’s making our neighbour a meal, helping to bash down a neighbour’s door (As I had to do recently), helping a friend cover their rent shortfall, intentionally paying for a coffee, or just taking time out to listen to where someone is at. Be Present In The Moment

It’s about being present and ready to hear what God is leading us to do in the moment. Whether you’re enjoying a walk on Kommetjie Beach, or battling through the current reality of Kommetjie Road traffic, God can use you to extend a hand to someone and reveal Jesus to them. And one thing I know is that more people than we realise long for an authentic, Jesus focused way of doing life together.